The definitive documentary on the original tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons is in the works. Deadline reports that Hasbro’s entertainment production company, Entertainment One, is producing a new documentary on the classic tabletop RPG.
The new project is being directed by actor, D&D writer, and official ambassador Joe Manganiello (True Blood, Spider-Man, Magic Mike) along with Kyle Newman (1UP, Barely Lethal, Fanboys). The film is currently in the works for a 2024 release to coincide with the tabletop game’s 50th anniversary.
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HASBRO PRODUCING NEW DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS DOCUMENTARY
Dungeons and Dragons was created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. in 1974. The game has been published by Hasbro’s subsidiary, Wizards of the Coast, since 1997. Overseen by a Dungeon Master, players form an adventuring party and go on quests throughout various fantasy worlds. Throughout the years, Dungeons and Dragons has drawn over 50 million players since it was originally published.
The planned documentary will draw from 400 hours of archived, never-before-seen footage going back to when the game was first created in the early 1970s. Manganiello, Newman, and Adam F. Goldberg reportedly spent years pursuing the exclusive rights to the footage. The film will also have exclusive interviews with celebrity fans of the game, along with Wizards of the Coast offering inside access to the filmmakers on highly confidential developments for the game and brand. This will reportedly be the first time Wizards of the Coast has granted this level of access to the game and D&D brand.
Meanwhile, eOne and Paramount are also gearing up a new big-budget feature based on the franchise, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The film arrives in theaters in March 2023. Additionally, Deadline reports that eOne is also collaborating on multiple scripted film and TV projects based on other notable Hasbro IP as part of the company’s event to deliver multichannel entertainment to fans based on some of its most beloved brands.
Manganiello will also produce the upcoming documentary project alongside his brother, Nick Manganiello, Anthony Savini, and Cecily Tyler. It’s being executive produced by Tara Long and Geno McDermott for eOne, along with leading Dungeons & Dragons scholar Jon Peterson, Goldberg, and Newman.
Manganiello is an avid Dungeons and Dragons fan and player, and he’s hosted campaigns with notable celebrity guests. Co-director Kyle Newman also worked on the documentary Raiders: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made, and he wrote the book, Dungeons and Dragons: Art & Arcana, alongside Jon Peterson.
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With so much history and influence behind this property, Hasbro creating a documentary looking at its definitive history and creation sounds like an amazing idea. Not to mention, it sounds like a good way to celebrate the longevity and history of the brand to go along with the upcoming 50th anniversary. D&D has truly withstood the test of time.
Meanwhile, the new live-action Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie hits theaters on March 3, 2023. The film is co-directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. It also stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and Hugh Grant.
What do you think of the news? Are you excited that the definitive documentary take on Dungeons & Dragons is finally happening? Are there any specific aspects or time periods you think the film should cover? Let us know what you think about the D&D news on The illuminerdi Twitter.
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